Heathkit AR-15 cap replacements

[xmas111]

I meant to post this awhile ago and completely forgot about it.

Anyway.... I've rebuilt a few Heathkit AR-15's in the last couple of years and finally got around to documenting all the electrolytic caps that can/should be replaced.

Here's the pdf files that show all the caps for each board with the corresponding part numbers and quantities from Parts Express.

Hope this helps anyone who plans on rebuilding one of these babies.

John

 

[xmas111]

Also you'll want to replace the 8000 mf filter cap.

You can get a replacement cap from DigiKey, here's the part number: P10039-ND CAP 8200UF 100V ELECT TUP SERIES

Attached a couple of pics that shows how you can use the old can and restuff with the new cap. It's pretty large as you see it compared to the DD coffee cup.

Remove all the old stuff from inside....not sure what it is but be careful to be safe.

I placed a piece of PVC tubing inside the can. Then cut a piece of masonite for the top. Screwed the old solder tabs on to it.
Attached the new cap then placed in the can with liquid nails to hold it together. Think it works pretty well.

You can do the same with the 4000 mf output caps. I used 4700 mf 50 v caps from Parts Express. Here's the part number: 020-1268

Again hope this helps.

John

 

[ryuuoh]

:thmbsp:

 

[audiojones]

Trying to troubleshoot an AR-15 on the bench right now, looking all over for the manuals but can only find a schematic diagram. Heath used to have some excellent detailed manuals. Thanks for posting the cap list!

 

[rabbitfyter]

Hi, thanks for the rundown!
Question...
What about the two 4000 mf caps on the chasis?
heathkit part #25-156, labeled as C223 & C224 on the PCB diagram in the manual.

-Brian

 

[xmas111]

Hi, thanks for the rundown!
Question...
What about the two 4000 mf caps on the chasis?
heathkit part #25-156, labeled as C223 & C224 on the PCB diagram in the manual.

-Brian

guess I forgot those...

these are what I used:
4700uF 50V Radial Mini Electrolytic Capacitor

John

 

[H2OVUE]

Thank you John. I have been meaning to do this to mine for quite a while now. It still is running on all of the original caps. I built it from the kit in the 70s.

Dave

 

[swall]

AA-15 Left Channel

I meant to post this awhile ago and completely forgot about it.

Anyway.... I've rebuilt a few Heathkit AR-15's in the last couple of years and finally got around to documenting all the electrolytic caps that can/should be replaced.

Here's the pdf files that show all the caps for each board with the corresponding part numbers and quantities from Parts Express.

Hope this helps anyone who plans on rebuilding one of these babies.

John

It has been some time since your post, which is much appreciated. I actually Built my AA-15 @ College ages ago and It worked straight away. Now I am restoring the unit since the left channel has problems and I am on the hum injection and voltage testing, but perhaps you can save me some time.
Issue: both channels fine but down on power with tone flat on. With tone flat off nothing from left channel and right channel becomes much louder. This occur in both Mono and Stereo for Tuner or Aux (CD) input.
For AA-15 Tone Flat takes Treble and Bass pots out of circuit including Q103 and associated Caps in and out (10uF electrolytic 16V). All switches and control pots have been well cleaned with DeOxit D5. I have a complete manual with schematics. As a tip I have been able to find all unit transistors to be available with the original part numbers from Mouser.
Thanks.
Dr. Steve.

 

[swall]

Hold the Rebuild. No doubt no one is still following this thread but the solution to my problem was simply a can of DeOxit D5 contact cleaner and my Healthkit AA-15 and AJ-15, built in 1968 no longer has any issues with low volume and distortion in each channel. Go figure.

 

[HTY4573]

I meant to post this awhile ago and completely forgot about it.

Anyway.... I've rebuilt a few Heathkit AR-15's in the last couple of years and finally got around to documenting all the electrolytic caps that can/should be replaced.

Here's the pdf files that show all the caps for each board with the corresponding part numbers and quantities from Parts Express.

Hope this helps anyone who plans on rebuilding one of these babies.

John

Thanks John for this extremely helpful information. I built mine in the late sixties and I've kept it in mint condition. I unpacked it recently and decided to recap it and use it as my main amplifier. I've always thought the sound from the AR-15 was superb. The left channel is out, no problem for me to fix (background in electronics) but the sound from just the right channel was incredible and I decided it sounds better than my vintage Marantz and Yamaha gear. Thanks for all of this information. I will put it to good use and will start ordering in the parts soon. Your pictorials and lists are superb and when I saw your posting was what decided for me to get moving on the recap. It's always best to me to follow along by learning from someone that's been through it all. Thanks!!!
Duane